I don’t owe anyone money, so I was really freaked out when I got this letter in the mail. I’ve only been scammed once before (when my friend’s Instagram got hacked, RIP), but I try to stay alert. The first letter had my name wrong and said I owed $995. I didn’t think much of it, especially since I found posts calling it a scam. But now I got a second letter with the correct spelling of my name, so I’m more worried. How far can they go with this? Should I respond or call them? Is this really a scam? Thanks for any advice.
New users, beware! Since you posted here, scammers might start messaging you claiming they know a hacker or lawyer who can help get your money back for a fee. We call them ‘recovery scammers’—do not trust advice from DMs. Always look for help in the open comments where others can help watch out for you. If someone offers you advice privately, you’re on your own.
Just because they know your name and address doesn’t mean it’s real. It’s easy to get personal info. Real debt collection letters should list the company that reported the debt, like Verizon if it was your cable bill. If the letter doesn’t have that, it’s probably a scam. If it does, call the company using a number from their official site (not the one on the letter) and check if it’s real. It’s likely a scam, but it’s good to be sure.
@FraudWatch1
This advice helped a lot! I was afraid to call the ‘debt collectors’ in case they already had my number, but I did call the company I supposedly owe and they said I don’t owe them anything. So, I’m ignoring the letters from now on.
You mentioned they said you owed $995. If they put the dollar sign after the amount, that’s a clear sign it’s a scam.
Cisco is a company that makes routers and network equipment. They wouldn’t go after you directly for a debt, but would use a third-party agency for that. Make them prove the debt is really yours. By law, they have to provide this proof.
@Johnstone
There are many companies using the name Cisco, and some are in the debt collection business.
Check if Cisco is licensed to collect debts in your state. Many companies try to collect on ‘zombie’ debts (debts that aren’t real or have already been paid). You have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, so read up on those. If Cisco is real, they could take you to court, and ignoring it could result in a default judgment.
@Brad
I didn’t know that! Thanks for the heads up, I’ll look into it. 
You should post a picture of the letter, but be sure to block out your personal details.
Cisco Inc. is a real debt collection agency based in Houston, TX. You should call them to verify the debt.
Roger said:
Cisco Inc. is a real debt collection agency based in Houston, TX. You should call them to verify the debt.
Better yet, send them a certified letter asking them to prove the debt.
Check your credit report to see if there’s any actual debt. It might help you figure out what’s going on.
Daisy said:
Check your credit report to see if there’s any actual debt. It might help you figure out what’s going on.
I don’t even have a bank account—can someone still have credit without one? Sorry if that’s a weird question.
@ConArtistConqueror4
It’s possible your personal info got stolen, it happens a lot. You should check your credit with the three major agencies: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Freeze your credit to prevent anyone from opening accounts in your name. If there’s debt you didn’t cause, report it to the police. When you freeze your credit, you’ll need to unfreeze it if you apply for any new credit or loans.
@Magdalina
Check out r/IdentityTheft for more tips.
@ConArtistConqueror4
It’s just a scammer using your info. But the advice from DRI is really good.